As defined by the Salt Lake County Open Land Trust Fund Advisory Committee, is a parcel of land in a predominantly open and undeveloped condition that is suitable for any of the following:

Natural areas

Wildlife and native plant habitat

Important wetlands or watershed lands

Stream corridors

Passive, low-impact activities

Little or no land disturbance

Historic and non-motorized trails

Open space lands may be preserved, enhanced and restored in order to maintain or improve the
natural, scenic, ecological, cultural, hydrological, or geological values of the property. The location of Open Space lands, as supported by the functions of the Open Land Trust Fund Advisory Committee, shall be located in Salt Lake County. Only a small portion therein may extend into another contiguous county. As characterized above, the term "undeveloped" does not include manmade structures of historical significance.

Threshold Criteria

Each project must meet the following criteria in order to be considered:

The majority of the project in Salt Lake County

The landowner is willing to enter into good faith negotiations with the County

Project funds are for a fee title purchase or conservation easement only

The appropriate title and ownership appear to be free of obvious problems

Project Selection Criteria

The Trust Fund committee considers a wide range of values, public benefits, and location when making recommendations. The Committee is striving to develop a diverse portfolio of critical lands for the public and future generations. The committee considers:

Cost: the terms of the acquisition will allow the County to maximize its assets and leverage the Trust Fund through landowner donations, discounts, funding partnerships, and donations

Community benefit: the project will be beneficial to local communities and the County at large

Conservation: the project protects wildlife and their habitats, and protects the ecological health and function of County lands